Soldiers Quizzed in Abuja as DHQ Probes Troop Withdrawal Before Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction

Defence authorities in Abuja are questioning soldiers formerly assigned to Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State following the abduction of 26 students earlier this month. Military sources and senior government officials confirmed that the personnel were summoned after it emerged that troops withdrew from the school hours before terrorists attacked on November 17, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku and taking the schoolgirls.

Two of the abducted students later escaped, while 24 remained in captivity until their release on Tuesday after negotiations led by federal authorities. The state government said medical checks indicated none of the girls was sexually abused.

Officials in Kebbi said the Defence Headquarters is probing who authorised the withdrawal of soldiers deployed in response to intelligence that the school faced a likely attack. Governor Nasir Idris raised concerns after a meeting with the Minister of State for Defence, noting that security operatives had been stationed at the school based on warnings but inexplicably left before the assault.

Local leaders in Maga said the troops departed around 1am, shortly before the gunmen arrived. Police officers on duty reportedly stayed under cover due to the overwhelming number of attackers and their firepower, leaving the terrorists free to operate for about two hours.

A senior government official said troops from the Zuru barracks are now undergoing interrogation in Abuja. Multiple security sources confirmed the development, adding that disciplinary action is expected against anyone found negligent.

Efforts to reach Defence Media Operations for comment were unsuccessful, while the Kebbi State Government said it is awaiting the findings of the military investigation.

Security sources disclosed that an initial rescue attempt failed, prompting negotiators to engage the abductors. The girls were released at a forest bordering Gusau and Kebbi after security agencies pressured the kidnappers through surveillance and sustained communication. A viral video later showed a bandit leader claiming the release followed negotiations.

Parents of the freed students said they remain committed to sending their children back to school despite the trauma. Several parents described the ordeal of waiting for news during the period of silence from the abductors but emphasised that education remains their community’s priority and their hope for a more secure future.